Nell Winkler

Cecil Janelle Walker Winkler, 86, a resident of Lenoir, NC died peacefully in her home on May 26, 2021 after an extended illness. A native of Wilkes County, North Carolina, Nell, as she was affectionately known, was born to the late Charles Seafus Walker and Lela Jane Medlock Walker on May 5, 1935. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 42 years Robert Clifford Winkler who died in 1997; her brothers Lewis Edward Walker, Lawrence Wilson Walker (Jim) and William Franklin Walker; her sisters Ann Lou Walker Ferguson and Grace Leona Walker Walsh. Nell is survived by her children Kathy Janelle Winkler Pritchard and Robert Keith Winkler, her grandson James Holden Pritchard, her brother, Lloyd Thomas Walker (Dodge) and her sisters Vinnie Mae Walker Andrews and Faye Elizabeth Walker Spears. Nell was strong in body and mind; she was tenacious and resilient as she twice conquered cancer and thrived many years beyond. Nell found great joy in gardening her beautiful flowers; she found equal pleasure and reward in raising and preserving her bounty of vegetables. She enjoyed cooking and baking. In the hours before her son was born, Nell was cracking fresh black walnuts harvested from a tree on the family property which she then used to create one of her delicious black walnut pound cakes. Nell was a talented seamstress creating many beautiful pieces for her daughter, herself and others. As well, she will be remembered for her love of music and her joy of reading. You could find Nell at her best when she was in a room filled with her siblings whom she loved and adored. Conversations were high-spirited and lively, full of joking and laughing and love. A member of Bethel Advent Christian Church for more than 60 years, Nell was a member of the church choir, a supporter of youth ministry and Sunday school and was a member of the church’s Women’s Home and Foreign Missions group. Other surviving family members and loved ones are David T. Pritchard, Sherri L. Stafford, Ada Lou Walker, Richard Spears, Karen Walker, Sam Walker, Roger Andrews, Ronnie Andrews, Neal Andrews Warren, Judy Andrews Burris, Debbie Andrews Hatton, Shirley Andrews Sanders, Lynn Walsh Eller, June Walsh Greene, Cindy Walsh Bowman, James Allen Walker, Lee Walker, Elizabeth Walker Oakley and Martha Walker Clark. A celebration of Nell's life will take place in the chapel of Evans Funeral Service on Sunday, May 30, 2021 at 3 pm and will be conducted by the Rev. Robert Livingston, Nell's childhood neighbor and friend. The family will receive friends from 2 pm until 3 pm prior to the service. Following the service, burial will take place in the Bethel Advent Christian Church cemetery. Due to Covid-19, the family respectfully requests that all in attendance wear face masks and practice social distancing. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Nell's memory be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street NW Lenoir, NC 28645. Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfuneralservice.com Evans Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.